Itabashi Nakajuku Intersection & Old Nakasendo, Tokyo

About this place

Live Street Stream | Nakajuku Intersection & Old Nakasendo Post Town, Itabashi, Tokyo. Located at a vital historic crossroads along the historic Nakasendo highway linking Edo (Tokyo) with Kyoto, Nakajuku was the very first and most prosperous post town (shukuba-machi) along the trail. Today, this bustling intersection sits right alongside the vibrant Nakajuku Shotengai, a welcoming covered shopping arcade lined with traditional butcher shops, greengrocers, and neighborhood eateries exuding warm Showa-era hospitality.

Food enthusiasts strolling Nakajuku uncover nostalgic down-to-earth treasures. Stop by veteran butcher shop Toritatsu (鳥新) or Niku no Asahigaoka for golden, crispy deep-fried Menchi-katsu minced beef cutlets and sweet pumpkin croquettes eaten piping hot on the street. For authentic Japanese sweets, visit century-old wagashi master Shinshindo (新進堂) for handmade dorayaki filled with sweet Hokkaido adzuki beans, or dine at Sobadokoro Asahien for chewy hand-rolled buckwheat noodles served in savory duck broth.

✦ Must-Visit Highlights:

▸ First Post Station of the Nakasendo: Explore the authentic living heritage and historical stone markers of ancient Edo highway travel.

▸ Nakajuku Covered Shotengai Shopping: Stroll through a bustling local shopping street teeming with fresh delis, bakeries, and florists.

▸ Crispy Toritatsu Menchi-Katsu Cutlets: Snack on freshly fried, juicy minced beef cutlets and handmade seasonal wagashi sweets.